Restaurant

Sushi-san

Name: Sushi-san
Address: 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60654, US
Telephone: (312) 828-0575
Price range: splurge

Japanese•Chicago•splurge

Sushi-san is one of the best japanese restaurants in Chicago for date night, especially if you want a strong option in Chicago.

Editorial review updated•Jul 28, 2026

Sushi-san is Lettuce Entertain You's case that a high-energy, hip-hop-soundtracked sushi room and serious fish-forward cooking are not mutually exclusive — and by most accounts, it makes the argument persuasively. Situated in River North, the room is reportedly dark, loud, and intentionally kinky with atmosphere: a sushi counter where itamae work at pace, a dining room that fills fast on weekends, and a back-bar program built around Japanese whisky and sake. This is not a hushed omakase temple, and it does not pretend to be. The concept positions itself as a place to drink and eat raw fish with the volume up, and regular diners seem to regard that positioning as a feature rather than a compromise. The menu centers on nigiri and hand rolls, with the raw bar carrying the reputation of the room. Diners consistently point to the quality of sourcing and the care taken with rice — reportedly seasoned and served warm in the traditional manner — as what separates Sushi-san from the broader wave of sceney sushi concepts. An omakase option is available at the counter for those who want the kitchen to set the pace, while the à la carte menu is said to include premium selections that justify the price-level-three positioning. A robata program rounds out the menu, though by most accounts the raw bar remains the headline rather than a supporting act. Practically, counter seats are the recommended play for two — they put the knife work front and center and are worth reserving in advance. The dining room absorbs walk-ins but moves quickly on weekends. It reads best as a date-night room that prioritizes energy over quiet, and the back-bar program makes it a reasonable anchor for a longer evening in River North.

Marcus Chen, Senior Restaurant Critic

In our guides:6 Best Japanese Restaurants in Chicago

Methodology•Chicago guides•Editorial team•Report outdated information

Date Night Fine Dining Sushi special occasion precise intimate

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Taste Score 9.4/10

Rating (Google) 9.6

10,560 reviews

Chicago

At a glance

The fastest read on whether this place fits tonight.

9.4/10

Taste Score

Google 9.6 from 10,560 reviews

Best for

Date Night and Fine Dining

Price and pace

splurge

Neighborhood

Chicago | 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Price

splurge

Taste Score

9.4/10

Phone

(312) 828-0575

Inside the restaurant

Photos of Sushi-san

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TastyPals Editorial Pick

TastyPals Editors

“Sushi-san is worth putting on the shortlist for King Crab Gunkan Nigiri and Crazy Shrimp Tempura—the two orders to build a first visit around.”

As featured in6 Best Japanese Restaurants in Chicago →

Menu and ordering

Sushi-san menu: what to order

Sushi-san is listed in the splurge price range. Check the restaurant's current menu for available dishes and prices. Menus, availability, and prices can change, so confirm current details before visiting.

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Why go

What makes Sushi-san worth the move

Sushi-san looks like a good night-out option in Chicago because it reads polished without feeling overly formal. King Crab Gunkan Nigiri and Crazy Shrimp Tempura also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 10,560 Google reviews.

What to know fast

Public rating

9.6 from 10,560 Google reviews

Best for

Date Night and Fine Dining

Style

Japanese in Chicago

Spend

splurge

Best for

Date Night Fine Dining Sushi special occasion precise intimate

Know before you go

Google rating: 9.6 from 10,560 reviews

Price point: splurge

Popular dishes: King Crab Gunkan Nigiri, Crazy Shrimp Tempura, BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps

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TastyPals Reviews

What diners are saying

0 diner reviews · reviewed by Marcus Chen for Sushi-san

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Google snapshot

9.6 from 10,560 reviews

TastyPals notes

Editorial review by Marcus Chen

No diner notes for Sushi-san yet.

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Plan the visit

Quick details

Book on OpenTable Menu Directions

Address: 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Phone: (312) 828-0575
Price: splurge
TastyPals score: 9.4/10
Google rating: 9.6 (10,560 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Neighborhood: Chicago

Featured in

Guide • chicago

6 Best Japanese Restaurants in Chicago

6 Japanese restaurants in Chicago worth planning around, from Sushi-san to Sushi Taku Rotary STR, with standout orders and options for different budgets.

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Frequently asked questions

What cuisine does Sushi-san serve?

Sushi-san is a Japanese restaurant located in Chicago, Chicago. Sushi-san is Lettuce Entertain You's case that a high-energy, hip-hop-soundtracked sushi room and serious fish-forward cooking are not mutually exclusive — and by most accounts, it makes the argument persuasively.

What is Sushi-san best for?

Sushi-san is best for date night, fine dining, sushi, special occasion, precise, intimate. Sushi-san looks like a good night-out option in Chicago because it reads polished without feeling overly formal. King Crab Gunkan Nigiri and Crazy Shrimp Tempura also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 10,560 Google reviews.

How much does it cost to eat at Sushi-san?

Sushi-san is in the splurge price range (splurge). Google rating: 9.6 from 10,560 reviews

Is Sushi-san worth visiting?

Sushi-san holds a 9.6 Google rating from 10,560 reviews. Sushi-san looks like a good night-out option in Chicago because it reads polished without feeling overly formal. King Crab Gunkan Nigiri and Crazy Shrimp Tempura also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 10,560 Google reviews.

Where is Sushi-san located?

Sushi-san is located at 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. Directions are available via Google Maps.

Does Sushi-san take reservations?

Yes, Sushi-san accepts reservations. You can book a table online through their reservations page.

Is Sushi-san good for a date night?

Yes — Sushi-san is tagged for date night dining. Sushi-san looks like a good night-out option in Chicago because it reads polished without feeling overly formal. King Crab Gunkan Nigiri and Crazy Shrimp Tempura also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 10,560 Google reviews.

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